Modular standing frame

Abstract

A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A standing frame comprising:
 a chair module that is movable between a seated condition for supporting a user in a seated position, and a standing condition for supporting a user in a standing position; the chair module comprising: 
 a seat and a seat back; 
 a linkage assembly connected to the seat back able to substantially maintain the seat back in a predetermined orientation as the chair module moves from the seated condition to the standing condition; and wherein the seat progresses from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position as the chair module moves from the seated condition to the standing condition; 
 at least one bracket connected to the seat back; 
 a work surface connected to the at least one bracket such that movement of the chair module from the seated condition to the standing condition causes movement of the work surface from a lowered condition to a raised condition; wherein the work surface remains in a fixed position relative to the seat back as the chair module moves from the seated position to the standing position; and wherein the work surface extends in front of the seat back across at least substantially an entire width of the seat back. 
 
     
     
       2. The standing frame of  claim 1  wherein the chair module further comprises an adjustable slide connected to the work surface. 
     
     
       3. The standing frame of  claim 1  wherein the chair module further comprises a chest pad connected to the work surface. 
     
     
       4. The standing frame of  claim 1  wherein the at least one bracket comprises a hip bracket. 
     
     
       5. The standing frame of  claim 1  wherein the work surface and chair module are connected so that movement of the chair module causes movement of the work surface. 
     
     
       6. A standing frame comprising:
 a chair module that is movable between a seated condition for supporting a user in a seated position, and a standing condition for supporting a user in a standing position; the chair module comprising: 
 a seat and a seat back; 
 a linkage assembly connected to the seat back able to substantially maintain the seat back in a predetermined orientation as the chair module moves from the seated condition to the standing condition; and wherein the seat progresses from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position as the chair module moves from the seated condition to the standing condition; 
 a work surface connected to the seat back such that movement of the chair module from the seated condition to the standing condition causes movement of the work surface from a lowered condition to a raised condition; wherein the work surface remains in a fixed position relative to the seat back as the chair module moves from the seated position to the standing position; and wherein the work surface extends in front of the seat back across at least substantially an entire width of the seat back. 
 
     
     
       7. The standing frame of  claim 6  wherein the chair module further comprises an adjustable slide connected to the work surface. 
     
     
       8. The standing frame of  claim 6  wherein the chair module further comprises a chest pad connected to the work surface. 
     
     
       9. The standing frame of  claim 6  wherein the work surface and chair module are connected so that movement of the chair module causes movement of the work surface.